Mumbai vs Kochi, Preview

On paper, the match between Mumbai Indians and Kochi Tuskers seems like a battle between David and Goliath. Mumbai have won both their games while Kochi have done the opposite. But, a deeper look and the fact that there are no favourites in this format show that a Kochi victory is not impossible.

Mumbai Indians: On paper, they are probably the best team in the tournament and they have shown why in the 2 games they played. Lasith Malinga single-handedly destroyed Delhi in the first game, while an all-round effort saw them overcome the challenge from Bangalore. Their bowling looks threatening with Malinga leading the pace attack and Harbhajan being the experienced spinner. They have managed to reduce the opposition to below par totals in both the games and would be keen to continue their good work.

Mumbai Indians have lost only 3 wickets in the 2 games played so far. Sachin Tendulkar is a different man with no burden after April 2nd, and as always, looks in supreme form. Davy Jacobs showed what he is capable of in the cameo against RCB, while Ambati Rayudu once again reminded the selectors why he is touted as one of the most talented youngsters in the domestic circuit. But its not as if there are no worries for the Indians; their middle order is largely untested and it would be interesting to see how they cope with the pressure if the opportunity arrives.

Kochi Tuskers: Something about Kochi reminds us of the way KKR played in the past - 2 tight finishes and they've come out second best on both occasions. Their batsmen have put up contrasting shows - McCullum and Laxman's start was wasted by the middle order in the first game, while the reverse happened in the next. Kochi struggled against pace in their game against Pune, where they were 24/4 at one stage before Ravindra Jadeja and Brad Hodge rescued them. They would have to do much better if they are to survive against the deadly Malinga at the top. But Kochi can take heart from the fact that most of their top order have got off to starts in the 2 games. One of them should go ahead to make a big one if they are to challenge the Mumbai team.

The bowlers have shown some promise but have not managed to finish games. They did most things right against Bangalore but found no answers to the challenge posed by AB de Villiers. A similar story unfolded in their next game as they let the Pune batsmen off the hook after having them under pressure. Jadeja and Vinay Kumar have done well but Kochi would expect much more from local hero Sreesanth and big buy Muralitharan.

Verdict: Kochi would need to play out of their skins to overcome the Mumbai Indians, but there is no reason why they can't do that. Brendom McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene know how it feels to score a century in IPL, and if either of them get anywhere close to it again, the Mumbai Indians would have a big task on hand. While it's not impossible, there isn't much reason to look beyond the Mumbai Indians at the moment.

Quotes:

"It is just the beginning of the tournament, we need not be negative. I think just one win can change things for us and the momentum will take us ahead in the tournament" Kochi captain Mahela Jayawardene

"I'm really happy today. I would like to thank Sachin sir and Robin Singh. Sachin sir just told me to have patience" : Ambati Rayudu is full of praise for the little master.